Northeast Faces Severe Nor’easter With Dangerous Flooding

Millions in the Northeast, including New York City and Boston, are bracing for severe coastal flooding, strong winds, and heavy rain due to a nor’easter occurring this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about these dangerous conditions.

The storm has already been deadly, as a 56-year-old man in Brooklyn was killed by a falling tree on Saturday. The storm left over 100,000 households in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New York without power, according to PowerOutage. Major events, such as the Global Citizens Festival in Central Park, New York City, and Ed Sheeran’s concert in Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts, were canceled. Over 450 flights were canceled, and 3,000 flights experienced delays on Saturday.

Impact and Areas of Concern

Forecasters anticipate the worst conditions from Saturday into early Sunday, with lingering effects through Monday. New York City and New Jersey are likely to experience the storm’s most severe impacts. Coastal flooding is expected to continue, with rain showers occurring sporadically.

Where Is the Nor’easter Impact Expected?

The storm is affecting the entire Northeastern region, but the areas around New York City and New Jersey face the strongest wind gusts and coastal flooding, as reported by forecasters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns of widespread coastal flooding, especially near waterfronts and shorelines.

On Friday afternoon, New York and New Jersey declared a state of emergency. Governor Kathy Hochul put New York City along with Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties under a state of emergency with a Coastal Flood Warning for Long Island, New York City, and the lower Mid-Hudson.

In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for eight counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. The NWS forecast includes showers and possibly severe thunderstorms bringing heavy rain from the Southern Plains to the upper-Mississippi Valley.

Duration of the Nor’easter

“Storm won’t leave region until Monday night,” said John Davitt, chief meteorologist for Spectrum News NY1.

The NWS updates predict moderate to locally major coastal flooding through Sunday afternoon’s high tide cycles. Significant rainfall, two to four inches, is expected in New York City, Long Island, and southern Connecticut, while 1.5 to 3 inches may fall elsewhere.

Widespread minor urban and small stream flooding, with isolated flash floods, are likely through Sunday night. The nor’easter is expected to weaken on Sunday but will continue affecting areas into Monday, with gusty winds and rain showers persisting.

Precautionary Measures

Governors Sherrill and Hochul urge residents to take precautions. Sherrill advised New Jerseyans to charge phones, secure outdoor items, stock up on necessities, and avoid travel if possible. Hochul echoed these warnings, emphasizing staying alert and avoiding unnecessary travel.

The NOAA recommends having food, water, medications, and other necessities for yourself, family, and pets to manage the storm and its aftermath safely.